Laguardia - Guardia, Medieval municipality in Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Laguardia is a medieval municipality in Rioja Alavesa built on a hilltop and surrounded by stone walls pierced by five entrance gates. The narrow streets within weave between small squares, while beneath the buildings, wine cellars extend into the cool earth below.
King Sancho VI of Navarre founded this location in 1164 as a fortified settlement with special privileges that shaped local governance for centuries. This royal establishment created the framework that allowed the community to grow and prosper.
The Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes stands at the center with its remarkable 14th-century stone portal that reveals the craftsmanship of its time. Residents and visitors alike gather in the surrounding squares for everyday encounters and markets that organize life within the town walls.
The cobblestone streets in the old town are closed to vehicle traffic and feature uneven surfaces that require sturdy footwear for walking. Early morning visits offer quieter conditions and better light for seeing the architectural details throughout the town.
Beneath the streets lies a labyrinth of wine cellars that have been expanded over generations and still serve their original purpose of storing local wines. This hidden underground network reveals how wine production shaped the town's character from the ground up.
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